FrieslandCampina lactoferrin authorised for food in European Union

4 December 2012

On 27 November 2012, the European Commission published its decision approving lactoferrin produced by FrieslandCampina as ‘novel food’. This means that lactoferrin can now be used in a variety of foods throughout the European Union, including infant nutrition.

The publication of the Commission’s decision is the final step in an application process initiated by FrieslandCampina in 2009.

Roelof Joosten, COO Business group FrieslandCampina Ingredients, is delighted with the outcome: ‘Lactoferrin is directly derived from cow’s milk, one of the most nutritious foods there is. New ingredients do not often get approval from the European Commission, and particularly not for infant nutrition. This new authorisation will enable us and our customers to use our lactoferrin in various foods throughout Europe.’

Lactoferrin
The milk protein lactoferrin is a bioactive component in milk. In the European Union, lactoferrin is regarded as a ‘novel’ (i.e. new) food and may therefore only be marketed once its safety has been demonstrated. FrieslandCampina Domo markets lactoferrin under the brand name Vivinal LF.